Sunday School Notebook

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Editor's Note: "Light of the World: A Nativity Pageant illuminating the Advent Wreath" is an original work written and copyrighted in 2012 by this author for her Sunday School program. Please feel free to use the script for performance purposes. Just do not publish it without written permission!

Greetings from the Sunday School director:

Christmas is coming! In Sunday School, we’re
preparing our hearts the coming of God’s Son – as a baby who came to grow,
teach and save; and as a king who came to rule and reign. God called his Son,
Jesus, to bring light into the world, to shine in the darkness, to open our
hearts, and teach us heaven’s ways. We call the four weeks before Christmas,
“Advent” which means “coming.” Christ is coming – as The Light of the World.

Our Sunday Schoolers have prepared a special
program for you, but we’ll need your help singing! Please take out the insert
from your bulletin to follow along.Let’s start now by singing verse #1 of Christ Be Our Light.

(Narrator enters as congregation sings:)

#1 Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you. Make us your own, your holy people, light
for the world to see.

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts, shine
through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered
today.

Narrator:
Darkness is the absence of light. Thousands of years ago, God’s people lived in
darkness. They waited and prayed for a Savior to come and rescue them. We
remember those dark times each year during Advent. We also remember God’s
promise to send a Light into the World. To prepare our hearts for the coming of
God’s Son, we use an Advent wreath.

The circle shape has no beginning or end. It
symbolizes God’s unending love. The evergreen
branches remind us of the everlasting
life Jesus won for us by his death and resurrection.

The candles remind us of the coming light. Each
week, as one more candle is lit, the wreath’s brightness grows. When all four
candles glow, Christmas is very near.

Please join in singing verse 2 of “Christ be Our
Light” as we wait for Jesus in The Light of Hope. (Turn on the Hope Light. Prophet processes as congregation sings:)

#2 Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair. Your word alone has power to save us. Make us
your living word.

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts, shine
through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered
today.

Narrator:
The
Light of Hope.

Isaiah:
I am the prophet, Isaiah. God sent me to bring this message of hope to the
people. “Look! A virgin will give birth to a son. She will call him Immanuel, which
means ‘God is with us.’ Then, the people who walk in darkness will see a great
light – a light that will shine for all.

Please join in singing vs.#3 of Christ Be Our
Light as we wait for Jesus and light the candle of love. (Turn on the Love
Light as Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus process/arrive as congregation sings:)

#3 Many the gifts, many the people, many the
hearts that yearn to be loved. Let us be servants to one another, signs of your
kingdom come.

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts, shine
through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered
today.

Narrator:
The
Light of Love

Mary:
I am Mary – the Lord’s servant. His Angel Gabriel came to me with news that I
would bear God’s Son. At first I was afraid, but then the angel assured me of
God’s mighty and loving plan. I said: “Let everything that you’ve said about me
come true.”

Joseph:
I am Joseph. I too came to trust in God’s mighty and loving plan. God’s angel came
to me with saying: “Don’t be afraid. Take Mary as your wife. The child within
her comes from the Lord. You are to name him “Jesus” which means “The Lord saves,”
for he will save his people from their sins.” I took Mary as my wife and together we
traveled to Bethlehem. There she gave birth and laid the babe in a manger
because there was no room for us at the inn.

Please join us in
singing “Away in a Manger” as we sing of God’s love and light the Candle of
Joy. (Turn on the Joy Light as Angels and
Shepherds process and congregations sings:)

Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the
little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; the stars in the sky looked down
where he lay, the Little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but
little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love you Lord Jesus, look down from
the sky and stay by my cradle till morning is high.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay, close
by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender
care and fit us for heaven to live with you there.

Narrator:
The
Light of Joy

Shepherd
1: I
remember that nightmyshepherd friends and I were watching
over our flocks in the fields outside the city. A bright light filled the sky.
Angels appeared before us. We were terrified! The angels said:

Angel
1:
Don’t be afraid! I bring Good News of great JOY for all people! This night in
Bethlehem a Savior is born.

Angel
2:
He is the Messiah, the Lord. You will find him lying in a manger.

Angel
3:
Glory to God!

Angel
4:
Glory to God!

Angel 5: Glory to God in the hight Heaven!

Angel 6: And peace to all on earth!

Shepherd
2:
Let’s go to Bethlehem!

Shepherd
3:
Let’s see this wonderful thing the Lord has done.

Narrator:
Please join us by joyfully singing “Angels, from the Realms of Glory” as we light
the candle of peace. (Turn on the Peace Light as Wisemen and Star process
on verse #3 and congregation sings:)

Angels from the realms of glory, wing your
flight o’er all the earth; once you told creation’s story, now proclaim
Messiah’s birth; Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the
newborn King.

Shepherds, in the fields abiding watching o’er
your flocks by night, God with us is now residing, yonder shines the infant
light. Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king.

Wisemen, leave your contemplations, brighter
visions beam afar; seek the great desire of nations, you have seen his natal
star. Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king.

Narrator:
The Light of Peace

Wiseman
#1:
We are wise men from the East. When we saw his star rise, we followed it to
Bethlehem. There, we found the child with his mother. We were filled with joy!

Wiseman
#2:
We bowed down offering him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh – Gifts for a king.

Wiseman
#3:
For God’s Son is born unto us. His royal titles will be Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His kingdom will never end. His
light will shine forever.

Narrator:
Please join us in singing “This Little Light of Mine” as we welcome the Light
of Christ.

(The Grown Jesus enters carrying the Christ candle as the congregation sings:)This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it
shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of
mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.

Jesus gave me the light. I’m gonna let it shine.
Jesus gave me the light. I’m gonna let it shine. Jesus gave me the light. I’m
gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.

***Pause for a group photo***

Narrator:
Jesus is the Light of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. He is the Light of the World.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who
believes in him might not die but have eternal life.” The wait is over. Open
your heart. Receive him, so you too may shine, reflecting The Light of the
World. Please join us in our ending song “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” as the
cast offers gifts.

(The cast administers candy canes to the
congregation and recesses while the congregation sings:)

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the
newborn king. Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful all you nations rise; join the triumph of the skies; with angelic hosts
proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory
to the newborn king!”

Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the
everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of the virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hail, the incarnate deity! Pleased as man with
us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the
newborn king!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the
Sun of righteous! Light and life to all he brings, ris’n with healing in his
wings. Mild he lay his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise
each child of earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! The herald angels
sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Christmas is coming. To mark the four Sundays before the celebration of Jesus' birth, we use an Advent wreath. Its circle shape has no beginning or end and reminds us of God's unending love. Its evergreen branches symbolize everlasting life. Four candles mark the four Sundays preceding Christmas.

In our Sunday School class this year, each family made an Advent wreath from a birch-slice base drilled with four holes to secure four candles: The Candles of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.

Spruce sprigs, pinecones and berries completed the decorative centerpiece. Each family received a simple devotional to take along home with the wreath and use each week to prepare their hearts for the coming of God's Son. May this project bless you too.

The First Sunday in Advent, December 2nd: The Candle of
Hope

One person lights one purple candle. Another person
says: On this First Sunday of Advent, we light The Candle of Hope. God promised
to send a Savior into the world. The people hoped he would be a king, someone to
save them from their enemies.

Someone asks: What do you hope for this Christmas
season?

Listen to each one’s answer. Then, all join in prayer:
Come Lord Jesus, fill us with hope.

The Second Sunday in Advent, December 9th: The Candle of
Love

One person lights the first and second purple candles.
Another person says: On this Second Sunday of Advent, we light The Candles of
Hope and Love. The Bible tells us “For God so loved the world that He sent his
one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him shall not die but have eternal
life.

Someone asks: How can you show your love to someone this
Christmas season?

Listen to each one’s answer. Then all pray: Come Lord
Jesus, fill us with hope and love.

The Third Sunday in Advent, December 16th: The Candle of
Joy

One person lights the two purple and one pink candles.
Another person says: On this Third Sunday of Advent, we light The Candles of
Hope, Love and Joy. On that first Christmas night two thousand years ago, angels
appeared to shepherds in the field saying, “Don’t be afraid, I bring you Good
News of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a
Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”

Another person asks: How can you bring someone joy this
Christmas season?

Listen to each one’s reply. Then, all pray: Come Lord
Jesus, fill us with hope, love and joy.

The Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 23rd: The Candle of
Peace

One person lights all four candles. Another person says:
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we light The Candles of Hope, Love, Joy and
Peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. During his ministry on earth, Jesus taught
his followers to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our
sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”

Another person asks: How can you be a
peacemaker?

Listen to each one’s reply. Then, all pray: Come Lord
Jesus, fill us with hope, love, joy and peace.

Monday, January 16, 2012

I learned this lesson at an early age. I still love giving gifts - especially useful ones.

During a pre-Christmas shopping trip, I was drawn to a textile angel made from a kitchen hand towel, washcloth and potholder. Inspiration struck. I envisioned a Nativity-themed Kitchen Angel for my Sunday School teachers and helpers. First, I sewed my own wares from monks cloth and Christmas calico.

As I pressed the creases and tied the towel, washcloth and potholder together with satin ribbon, a poetic verse came to mind. Using a length of pastel cardstock decorated with a Nativity sticker, I penned the verse onto a bookmarker as a blessing for each gift recipient. The result inspired me to mass-produce Christmas Kitchen Angels for family, friends and neighbors using kitchen sets purchased at an area dollar store. The gifts' success inspires me to share the idea here in the Sunday School Notebook.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Editor's Note: The disciple John wrote many Bible verses telling how Jesus described himself. To teach our Sunday School children these lessons, I prepared this script for their performance at last Sunday's worship service during the Children's Sermon. Our congregation was blessed by their ministry. May the text bless you too.

Jesus Declares, "I AM"

Prepared by Wendy
Copyright March 2011
(Please feel free to use this. Just don't publish it.)

Sunday School teacher's introduction: In Sunday School, we are learning about Jesus’ life and teachings as written in the four gospels of the Bible’s New Testament. Currently, we are working on the gospel of John. In this book, John shows us how Jesus is “the Word” sent from heaven by God the Father. Today we have prepared a demonstration of the special lessons Jesus used to teach his followers about who he is. These lessons are known as the “I AM” statements. We’ll need your help! Please have ready your song sheet - “This Little Light of Mine” - and the candle you received. Be ready to help sing.

The Light shines in the darkness. And the darkness has not overcome it.

Narrator: In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God. And the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him, not one thing was made. In him was life. The life was the light of men. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen his glory, glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

From his fullness, we have received grace. The law was given through Moses. Grace and truth was given through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; only through he, who is at the Father’s side, has God been made known. He made himself known by the Father’s works through him and in the words used to describe him. (pause)

Jesus said:

Actor #1: “I AM the bread of life. (Hold up a loaf of bread) Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Narrator: Jesus also declared:

Actor #2: “I AM the light of the world. (Hold up a flashlight) Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Turn on the light)

Narrator: Later Jesus said,

Actor #3: “I tell you the truth, I AM the gate for the sheep." (Hold up a gate prop) If anyone enters by me, he will be saved. He will go, in and out, and find pasture.”

Narrator: Jesus continued:

Actor#4: "I AM the good shepherd. (Hold up a shepherd crook and sheep.) The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I know my sheep and my sheep know me."

Narrator: Another time, Jesus said:

Actor#5: “I AM the resurrection and the life. (Hold up the cross) Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies."

Narrator: Jesus also said,

Actor#6: “I AM the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. I AM the vine; you are the branches. (Lift the vine) If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; (Lift a grape bundle) Apart from me, you can do nothing."

Narrator: Later in Revelations, Jesus said,

Actor #7: "I AM the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, (Hold up the letters A and Z) the beginning and the ending."

Narrator: Finally Jesus said:

Actor# 8: "I AM the root and the offspring of David, and the bright morning star." (Lift the Christmas star)

Narrator: Just as the bright morning star shines, so too do we shine when we open our hearts to Jesus and let his light shine through us. Please join us in singing “This Little Light of Mine” and have your candle ready to receive the Light!

(Two Sunday Schoolers take their Christmas candles, light them from the altar candles and pass on the light to the other cast members while singing verse one. On verse two, the cast goes into the congregation and offers to light their candles as the light is passed on and the whole church sings verses three and four and Sunday Schoolers return to the front for the finish.)

This Little Light of Mine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Today I scored in my Sunday School research. I've had the sheet music for the Books of the Old Testament for months. But through YouTube, this young mom made the song come alive! Learning the song for our Sunday School program should now be a breeze.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

At this Sunday School year's end, we made Faith Bracelets. The hope is that each person will wear the circle-shaped bracelet as a reminder of God's Unending Love. The colorful beads represent points in our Faith Journey.

To make a Faith Bracelet, measure and cut a 12-inch (30.5 cm) length of 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) suede lacing. String on nine pony beads as follows to represent:

WELCOME

This promise sprouted a new root in my life in September 2007. That's when I took up my new post as Sunday School Superintendent. I was hesitant to take on this role for two reasons:

1. We'd joined this church just months earlier.2. I'd never taught a Sunday School class.

In spite of my doubts, the congregation elected me to this volunteer position. Our pastor encouraged me saying:

1. "Don't worry. We'll help you."2. "Sometimes that (lack of experience) is not a bad thing. It allows for fresh ideas."

I prayed trusting God to provide. And, He did – through our church pastors, members, parents and youth. The internet also provided a multitude of ideas on how to make Bible stories and principles come alive for our Sunday School children. Because I appreciate all that internet help, I begin this blog to offer encouragement and ideas to others.

May God bless you. May Jesus keep you. And may the Holy Spirit guide you on your journey.

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About Me

I grew up on a central-MN farm. My sixth-grade teacher instilled in me a passion for writing. Reporting home on life in Norway as a high-school Rotary exchange student launched my interest in pursuing a B.A. in journalism followed by newspaper reporting, accounting work, stay-home parenting three sons and freelance writing.